First Look at Lani Kai and Julie Reiner’s ‘Modern Tropical’ Cocktails

Tonight, Julie Reiner of Clover Club and Flatiron Lounge opens Lani Kai, the third in the tiki trend after Hurricane Club and Painkiller. But don’t expect Zombies to get much play here — the “modern tropical” drinks were created by Reiner and bar manager Joe Swifka (the Flatiron Lounge bartender also responsible for tiki nights at bygone Elettaria) to evoke Reiner’s Hawaiian upbringing. Her brother Chris has tried to do the same by brightening up the old Tailor space with a capiz chandelier and back bar, and other shell and wood elements. Partner Michael Brais oversaw the design of the two rooms, including the installation of lush tropical plants and a gas fireplace meant to look like a fire pit. Check out the menu below (including food from Craig Rivard and cocktails from guest bartenders like Phil Ward of Mayahuel), and have a look at the space and a few of the drinks and dishes in our slideshow. Lani Kai is open from 5 p.m. till 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and till 3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and is walk-in only until reservations start being taken in about a month.